Non removal of sediments forces ship to anchor in outer sea

The captain and other staff on board the ship that sailed from Port Blair expressed their displeasure. It is learnt that they will file a complaint to the shipping ministry regarding the lapse from port authorities.

Thiruvananthapuram: A ship that was supposed to dock at the wharf in Vizhinjam was forced to anchor in outer sea as the port department did not inform the captain about the sedimentation of mud in the shipping channel.

Following the incident, the captain and other staff on board the ship that sailed from Port Blair expressed their displeasure. It is learnt that they will file a complaint to the shipping ministry regarding the lapse from port authorities.

Since the ship couldn’t anchor near the port, six staff were transported to shore by boat.

Indira Point, a ship under the ownership of the shipping ministry, which was designed for the functioning of light houses reached Vizhinjam on Saturday. The captain and crew had informed the Vizhinjam port officials about the docking of the ship in advance and received a positive reply.

After receiving clearance from the port, the ship reached Vizhinjam shore. While trying to enter the Seaward wharf, the captain found that there was a 4.5 feet high mud wall in the shipping channel.

Moreover, there was a toppled tug, Coast Guard Vessels and a tug used owned by the Adani port company were at the wharf. The captain and crew of Indira Point were not informed of any of this.

Following this, the ship was anchored in outer sea. The decision was taken in fear of getting stuck the 72-feet-long ship on the mud wall. However, port authorities didn’t make any effort to remove the sedimented mud in the shipping channel.

The ship that reached Kollam port will sail to Lakshadweep. It will return to Kollam on April 26. First captain Madan Damodaran and second captain of the ship are Keralites.